Professional
Technical
In the Industry Vocabulary Test
blast crisis
An acute phase of chronic myeloid leukemia characterized by rapid proliferation of immature cells and clinical deterioration.
Full Definition
Blast crisis represents the terminal phase of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), characterized by the presence of 20% or more blasts in the bone marrow or peripheral blood. In pediatric patients with CML, blast crisis indicates transformation from the chronic phase to an acute leukemia-like condition with rapid clinical deterioration. This phase requires urgent intensive treatment similar to acute leukemia protocols and carries a poor prognosis despite therapy.
Usage
Usage note: Specify myeloid or lymphoid lineage of blasts when known.
In Context
- "The patient's CML progressed to blast crisis with 85% myeloid blasts in the bone marrow." — Disease progression report
- "Blast crisis requires immediate initiation of acute leukemia-type chemotherapy." — Treatment guidelines
Also known as
blastic transformation
acute transformation
Contrasted with
chronic phase
accelerated phase
Don't confuse with
acute leukemia
accelerated phase